Answering “yes” to these questions can be both frustrating and upsetting. But, you think, you can still remember things that happened a long time ago just fine. You are a fine planner and your organizational skills are as good as ever.

All of that may be true. Further, as time marches on, we all become a bit forgetful. That’s part of normal aging.

However, if you are concerned your memory is not what it used to be, you owe it to yourself and your family to find out what’s going on. It may be normal aging. It could be MCI – mild cognitive impairment. There may be a medical cause for your memory loss. MCI is not dementia. However, it may be pre-dementia or pre-Alzheimer’s disease? The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can either be reassured, or get properly treated.

Blood vessel changes in the brain can impair memory, and can be caused by

Uncontrolled high blood pressure (now or in the past)

Diabetes

Generalized inflammation

Sleep Apnea

High lipids or cholesterol.

Undiagnosed Attention Deficit (ADD/ ADHD) can show up as memory problems in older people.

Depression can make it hard to remember.

Brain tumors can cause rapid memory loss.

Normal changes with age can impact memory.

Diagnosing & Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment

Dr. R Bart Sangal is the founder of the Sleep & Attention Disorders Institute in Sterling Heights, Mich. When people think about attention disorders, they often think of ADD or ADHD. However, MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) is an attention disorder that affects people as they age.

Of course, as we get older, our memories are naturally not as sharp as they once were. That’s normal. So is it MCI or normal aging?

Dr. Sangal will use a painless EEG based test to find out if your brain is slowing down. Read more about testing here.

A blood workup and MRI may show other reasons for your mild cognitive impairment. (Additionally, bloodwork may reveal a genetic marker for lipid levels which can also predict likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.)

If Dr. Sangal diagnosis MCI, rest assured he will suggest the best treatment for you. If you have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or insomnia, treatment can most definitely help. Attention deficit is easily treated. If your blood work shows an imbalance, Dr. Sangal can suggest treatment.

If he suspects pre-dementia or pre-Alzheimer’s disease, he can prescribe medicines that may slow the progress of these conditions. However, please note, these medicines should not be taken if you do not have pre-dementia, as they can then cause health problems.

If all the tests come back normal, you can relax. You are probably showing normal signs of aging. Generally speaking, that’s great news. Dr. Sangal will then recommend that you come back to the Sleep & Attention Disorders Institute in a year. If repeat testing shows no worsening, you probably do not have pre-dementia.

Contact the Sleep & Attention Disorders Institute today to set up your first appointment. Patients from all over the Greater Detroit metro area come to see Dr. Sangal, including residents throughout Michigan’s Oakland and Macomb counties. We are located in the vicinity of Bloomfield Township, Macomb Township, and Clinton Township. Warren, Royal Oak and Pontiac are close by.

If you are concerned about your own memory or believe a loved one’s memory may be failing, it’s time to find out for certain. At the Sleep & Attention Disorders Institute in Sterling Heights, Mich., Dr. Sangal and his well-trained, friendly technicians have been treating patients for more than 30 years. We are located where Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Rochester Hills and Troy come together. Call us at 586-254-0707 or fill out the form so we may contact you.

What Our Patients Say

This has been one of the most beneficial medical treatments I have evern received. Good treatments might deliver most of what is expected. But Dr. Sangal & his team delivered 100% of what I needed. I feel great!

A M

I’m so glad I came to see Dr. Sangal for help with my sleep apnea. With the treatment I am sleeping so much better now and feel great throughtout the day.

MP

Dr. Sangal not only has helped my son’s ADHD, but the staff is helpful & courteous, and Dr. Sangal always runs on time & we never wait very long.

Tara Yagonczak

I had the sleep study on Wed nite, 11-27. The 2 girls who helped were so kind & cheerful & good natured. Couldn’t have been nicer.

MA

Dr. Sangal & his friendly staff made my experience comfortable & reassuring. The CPAP has saved my life & I could not be more thankful for Dr. Sangal & the family-like atmosphere of his practice.

FB

I can’t rave enough about Dr. Sangal and his staff. The way this doctor thoroughly assesses and treats, and monitors patients with sleep disorders and ADHD is unbelievable. I’ve learned so much in being his patient and have watched both my daughter’s and my own sleep/ADHD conditions improve immensely. I would highly recommend this doctor and his wonderful staff.

ADD Mom

I have been extremely impressed with Dr. Sangal and all of his staff. Everyone has been so helpful and wonderfull explaining all the testing to us. We felt right at home when my daugther did her sleep apnea test, she was very comfortable. I recommend Dr. Sangal, Im very happy with everything.

Angie

I enjoy comeing in to see the Dr. because of all the great people he has working for him. You all are so good that I fell like I am at home when I come in.

Joesph O'Bryan

It is great to be able to rest, and to be able to think again. My sleep is clear and restful and I have more energy and I am loving it! Thank you Dr. Sangal.

Nathan Johnson

I have used CPAP every night for more than 15 years. Dr. Sangal has worked with me over time and I believe CPAP treatment has made my life, in general, easier; reducing fatigue which had built up over the years in my profession. I am today more relaxed and better able to handle the problems and anxieties of life, and am better able to enjoy my family and relate better to friends and associates. I am 77 years old.

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